3 Things We Learned From the QPR Game

For some reason it’s hard to feel so upset about crashing out of the FA Cup in the Third Round this year, given the circumstances. Another game on the schedule would have been a tough ask and we may not have been able to use so many rotations next time round.

You get the sense that for Bielsa and his backroom staff, today was about trying out some things they’ve wanted to for a while but given the severity of league fixtures; experimentation may be irresponsible

Tyler Roberts Is Sharp

Energetic, raring and dangerous. Tyler Roberts has come back from injury and looks set to make an immediate impact in the first-team at Leeds. Whilst he has had highlights already this season, notably his brace against Preston North End back in September, his best days seem almost certainly ahead of him. His utility to play in a wide or central attacking position will be extremely useful in the coming months.

Lewis Baker Might Not Be ‘it’

Another tricky day at the office for Baker unfortunately because its not for lack of trying. He was careless in possession and sold out the others with a couple of poor passes that invited pressure and delayed build-up. A shame because a viable number 8 back-up could be of great use as Klich has looked somewhat tired in recent games. This was far from a perfomance for someone who might be looking to prove themselves.

Shack is Ready

I have to say the most impressive performance on the pitch today was far and away Jamie Shackleton. A mature and assured performance at right-back, his running knows no bounds. There was some sublime link-up play down the right hand side, with short passes used to create space and feed others in. Shackleton would then dart into a central position after he had fed it into the winger, to make himself an extra threat in the box. Very exciting. Defensively impressive too against a sharp and fast QPR attack. Hopefully he can follow in Jack Clarke’s footsteps and cement himself as a first-team regular.